Thanks everyone. Unfortunately I don't really have the time to join an astro society - I'm a student, journalism at that, so a lot of my free time is spent either writing or on campus in the studio.
I think my best option is to consider buying later on, even though I'm keen to now. It might be better to leave it till I have the money to spend however much I need to. Binoculars could be the safest option at this point!
Like everyone I would love to be able to spend tonnes on a telescope! Ah, I really hope I'll have that luxury in the future
